Could Jamie Bell become the next James Bond?

Jamie Bell is said to be the next 007. Photo / Getty Images

Jamie Bell has been holding talks to play James Bond.

The 30-year-old actor - who shot to fame playing the lead role in Billy Elliott when he was just 13 - has reportedly held informal meetings with producers about taking over from Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy.

Bell is working with Barbara Broccoli on his next movie Film Stars Don't Die and has impressed the 55-year-old Bond boss with his work on that and in his previous films.

Daniel Craig as James Bond.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Barbara has been a fan of Jamie for a long time and has even thought about him playing another role in the franchise before.

"Everyone remembers Jamie as the little boy in Billy Elliott, but he's now bulked up and got some serious roles under his belt."

Tom Hiddleston and Aidan Turner have previously been tipped as frontrunners for the role, but they now face strong competition from the 6 Days actor.

The source added: "Tom Hiddleston and Aidan Turner are still in the frame, but Jamie has really shown that he is definitely up there competing with them."

While Hiddleston is favourite for the role, he recently insisted he hasn't been approached and had no idea Craig wants to leave the franchise..

He said: "The thing is, the position isn't vacant as far as I am aware. No one has talked to me about it.

"I think the rumours have all come about because in the Night Manager I play a spy and people have made the link."

Daniel Craig as 007 in Skyfall.

Last year, Craig - who has starred as 007 in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and 2015's Spectre - said he would "rather slash [his] wrists" than portray the spy again, but later admitted he would do another Bond movie "for the money".

He also threw his Bond future in doubt when he signed up for 20-episode US TV series Purity.

Idris Elba and Damian Lewis have also been mentioned as possible replacements for the hunky actor.

- Bang! Showbiz